Method and system for ambient air scenting and disinfecting based on flexible, autonomous liquid atomizer cartridges and an intelligent networking thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for refreshingand disinfecting air streams. More particularly, the invention relatesto refreshing and disinfecting air streams flowing into or through anenvironment or room by dispersing a fragrant disinfectant. Still moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor refreshing and disinfecting air streams wherein a fragrance, adisinfectant, or other functional liquid is nebulized into an airstream, and the rate of nebulization of the liquid is controlled anddetermined by personal preferences of a user.

Moreover, in the present context, the term “freshening” means eitherscenting, disinfecting, or scenting and disinfecting, such as for an airstream or a body of air.

Note that for the purpose of this disclosure the terms “nebulized” and“atomized” will be considered equivalent and interchangeable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scenting and disinfecting of ambient air in human living spaces has beenan endeavor since ancient times. Several natural fragrance moleculeshave both scenting as well as disinfecting properties. In modem times,man has invented many ways of introducing the comfort of improvedambient air in personal, housing and working environments. In recentdecades, home and working environments have evolved into tighter closedair systems, which largely re-circulate stale air including airborneparticles and microorganisms trapped within these closed environments.Consequently, these closed air environments serve as pockets of particleaccumulation (e.g., dust and pollen) and provide a potential growthmedium for pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Humanspresently spend about 90% of their time inside enclosed spaces (i.e.,rooms) in homes, hotels, offices, cars, airplanes, restaurants, etc.Much attention has been paid to determining the effects of indoor airquality on the health, comfort, and productivity of the inhabitants.Concepts such as “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS) and “Perceived AirQuality” have been developed and have become issues of concern to thescientific, technical and financial communities. It is noted that thegeneral notion of “Indoor Air Quality” (IAQ) includes the concepts of(a) ambient air scenting, (b) combating odors and (c) disinfecting. Thepresent invention endeavors to provide an air refreshing solutionaddressing these issues.

To address the problems inherent to recirculating particle laden andmicrobe bearing air, the air-conditioning system was recognized early asa means of introducing deodorants, insecticides, moisturizers,bactericides, etc., into an air conditioning stream and thus treatingambient air. One such air-conditioning system is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,044,276 to Kauten.

More recent developments relate to dispersing volatiles (i.e.,deodorants, insecticides, moisturizers, bactericides, etc.) into the airby the use of a so-called ion wind or ion drag which causes themolecules of the volatiles to be charged and to attach to otherparticles or bodies in the air such as dust, microorganisms or insects,but also to carpets, furniture, people and pets. (see WO 00/38512)

The combination of antimicrobial and scenting or flavoring capability inindustrial compounds has also been previously disclosed as, for example,in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,888 to Lupo et al.

Most recently, environmental concerns have attracted attention to thequality of ambient air in general, and HVAC systems in particular.Microorganisms, such as mold spores and bacteria, develop well within anenvironment which is prone to condensation by providing moisture andwarmth, and which offers a lot of “dead volume” or space to settle in.However, a significant number of these microorganisms become airborneduring the inherent carrier function of HVAC systems. Consequently,according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a significantamount of human respiratory problems are related to indoor air pollution(EPA Document Reference Number 402-R-94-007, 1994 and many others).

The term “air quality” can be more broadly interpreted, however. Inaddition to considering the numbers of particles and microbes in theair, “air quality” also relates in scope to encompass a more hedonisticcomponent of air quality such as air scenting for providing relaxing,stimulating, romantic, etc., characteristics or simply for combating badodors. Consequently many developments relate to this field of endeavor,such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,297 B1 to Contadini etal; U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,327 to Palamand et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,247to Rossman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,859 to Tobin et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 342,584 to Fritz et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,182 to Steiner et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,869 to Stumpfet al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,582 toHolzner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,972 to Muderlak et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 3,677,441 to Nixon et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,409 to Watkins.

Most of these disclosed systems rely on some method of controlled scentrelease by actuation of aerosol cans, by venting air over gel-containingcartridges, or by evaporating scented liquids. More recently discloseddocuments teach the use of modern dispensing methods for various liquidsubstances, which avoid the use of propellant gases. Indeed, someaerosol propellants may negatively affect air quality because their“Volatile Organic Component” (VOC) content and impact may raise relatedhealth questions in a manner similar to problems raised withchlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), which were previously used as propellants.Methods and apparatuses that avoid the use of propellant gases includeU.S. Pat. No. 5,529,005 to Gueret, U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,474 B1 to Helf etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,117 to Ivri; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,219 B1 to Hesset al., and more recently EP 01 121 075.4, to Hess et al. These variouspatents disclose the use of piezo-electric actuation in variousconfigurations to effectively expel liquids without the use ofpropellants. The advantage of these piezo-electric systems is theexcellent rendering and dispersion of scents by expelling small volumesof unaltered liquid substance into the ambient air followed by theefficacious diffusion of the scents due to the production of a largenumber of extremely small liquid droplets, which dramatically reducesthe amount of both fragrance and solvent needed to provide a givenscenting result, when compared to the other methods mentioned above. Themain problem remaining with most of the devices above, however, is thatreliable priming is not achieved and that these devices do not have theability to function properly in every position within the realm ofthree-dimensional movement. In addition, the prior art piezoelectricscenting devices do not reliably operate over a wide range ofviscosities and surface tensions of the liquid to be expelled by thepiezoelectric element. Furthermore, the prior art devices have not beenable to mix nebulizable liquids from multiple separate sourcereservoirs.

Consequently, many desirable liquids used in the piezoelectric prior artdevices require the addition of a solvent or solvents in order to besprayed by these devices. The result of using a solvent is that, atleast to some degree, there remain health and air quality issues when asolvent is used. For example, Martens et al. teach, in document WO00/47335, that the viscosity and surface tension of a liquid to bedispensed can be controlled by adding certain solvents, therebyproviding a method of improving the dispensing action of piezo-actuatedsystems. Although it may be difficult to avoid such solvents completelyin order to adequately disperse certain liquids, it is a reasonableobjective to minimize the use of solvents.

Further sophisticated techniques and devices directed to ambient airscenting and disinfecting are disclosed in other documents which teachthe use of modem electronics in circuits essentially used in the methodsof timing, sequencing and dosing of a dispensed medium into variousambient living environments such as home care environments, homeentertainment environments, scenting in cars, shopping, lodging, andpublic entertainment environments. In some cases, scent sensors are usedin the electronic control circuitry of the scenting and air fresheningdevices in order to control the release of the scents and theirintensity in the respective environment as disclosed in French documentFR 98 04156 to Moy et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,409 to Watkins; Europeandocument EP 0 831 384 A1 to Muyarama et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,832,320and 5,760,873, both to Wittek; and European document EP 00 118 715.2 andcorresponding U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118, both to Hesset al. Specifically, EP 00 118 715.2 and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/942,118 are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

Another problem with some of the disclosed prior devices and systems isthat they are subject to condensation effects due to extensive ducting,which inevitably occurs as a result of ambient temperature differences,condensation in ducts, pollution or contamination caused by growth ofmicro-organisms, etc. Another problem with some of the prior devices isthat they are cumbersome to program and difficult to install or tonetwork in a modem living, lodging or entertainment environment. Someprior devices have the drawback that they rely on artifacts, such asautonomous heating or ventilation processes, in the immediate vicinityof the dispensing unit. Some prior devices do not offer enoughstructural flexibility in order to satisfy the need for both a desiredfunctionality and attractive design. Another major drawback with theprior devices is that all are very much orientation or positiondependent. Yet another common drawback to the prior devices is that thecontrol functions are more or less reduced to timing and sequencing ofthe scenting activity, which leaves the user little or no possibility totreat different scents in a different way according to his or herenvironment and his or her own sensitivity. In other words, the priordevices generally do not permit preferential selection of a particularscent in response to environmental parameters and/or the personalpreference of the user at a particular time.

Another drawback with most of the prior devices is that they do not meetthe needs created by today's rapidly changing environmentalentertainment technologies. For instance, the home environment as wellas the working, lodging and entertainment environments are rapidlychanging to provide new entertainment and work tools that are readilyavailable to a growing “on-line” population of information technologyusers in the home and outside of the home through the use of narrow—andbroadband wireless systems, web-appliances, portable communicationsystems, PDA's, PC's, etc., that include separate and new smart wirelessdevices, “net-meeting” products, home “video-meeting” products, andproducts that permit downloading all sorts of entertainment pieces, etc.To a limited extent, the new demand for air scenting and refreshing inthese entertainment and work environments has been partially addressedby devices disclosed in EP 0 714 709 A1 to Millet et al; U.S. Pat. Nos.5,832,320 and 5,760,873 to Wittek, and by the devices disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/942,118 and European document EP 01 1118715.2, both to Hess et al., but none of these devices introduces a userfriendly, industrially applicable, practical and rapidly deployablesolution to all of the aforementioned drawbacks and none allows the userto participate in an interactive manner with a network.

One attempt to provide ambient scenting to augment a “theme” of anentertainment environment is disclosed in WO 00209776, WO 00209773, WO00209772, which relates scenting activity to a thematic sensoryexperience, such as experienced during music, graphic arts, theater andthe like, by using a CD-like scent cartridge selection technology.However, the scenting technology used has been known for a long time andthe disc-like arrangement is relatively rigid, and re-usable only at thedisc level; thus giving the user little flexibility, albeit a lot ofchoices, as far as themes are concerned. It is unlikely that anyindividual user will like all of the 7 fragrances contained in the aboverigidly arranged disk to the same degree so that all 7 fragrances willbe used up in a similar manner and time frame. Most likely, only one ora few scents will be preferred, so that the correspondingscent-containing cartridges will be used up quickly, whereas one or afew other fragrances might not be liked at all. As can be easilyappreciated, the preferential use of one or several fragrances will leadto the wasteful situation where the whole disk will be disposed ofbecause the preferred fragrances have been exhausted and the remainingexcess of the non-preferred fragrances with their solvent contents areleft unused.

Consequently, there exists a need for a scenting and refreshingapparatus and method that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior devicesand which satisfies the public need for wholesome air quality that isboth safe and pleasing to the nose, and that provides a sense ofpersonal comfort while addressing individual personal preferences.Specifically, there is a need for a scenting and refreshing apparatusand method that hedonistically augments air quality and which can beapplied to the recent emergence of entertainment and work environmentsassociated with web appliances, portable electronic devices, downloadingof entertainment and work applications, and smart home environments.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to overcome thedrawbacks of the prior devices, which include excessive bulkiness, lackof flexibility, lack of modular and integrated packaging of cartridgeand dispenser, lack of scenting and refreshing efficacy, lack of primingreliability, lack of an easy networking capability for programmablescenting or disinfecting capabilities, and lack of ease of use whendealing efficiently with habituation and the need to replace or exchangescents.

It a further object of the present invention to minimize the use ofsolvents as much as possible.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a scentingand refreshing apparatus and method which allows freedom to apply theapparatus and method to a variety of air quality, safety, personalenvironment and entertainment oriented applications.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an air scentingand refreshing apparatus and method that involves the user in aninteractive role as part of these air quality, safety, personalenvironment and entertainment-oriented applications.

It is yet another object of the air scenting and refreshing apparatusand method of the present invention to permit the user to create anetwork with a web appliance, portable electronic device, downloadedentertainment or work application, or a smart home environment that canbe manipulated by the user to satisfy particular environmental and otherpreferences of the user.

It is yet another object of the air scenting and refreshing apparatusand method of the present invention to provide for maximum scent choiceflexibility, on the one hand, while minimizing waste and use of harmfulingredients (e.g., solvents), on the other hand.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an air scenting andrefreshing apparatus that mixes two liquids together at the time ofnebulization or just prior to the moment that the mixed liquids will benebulized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides,in a first preferred embodiment, an apparatus for freshening air,including: a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the baseunit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by thepower supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving andswitching circuit; and a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensingcartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. Thedetachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagablewith the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a firstnebulizable liquid (c) a second airless bag for storing a secondnebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and thesecond bag. A nebulizer is provided connected to each bag by arespective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates,and first and second nebulizable liquids are contained in the first andsecond bags, respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from thefirst bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag,so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquidare mixed in a space before being nebulized into a combined mist by thenebulizer. The nebulizer is electrically connected to the power supplyand controlled by the driving and switching circuit when the second plugportion is matingly engaged to the first plug portion.

In accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the first preferred embodiment is made to further comprise aninterface that includes a first inlet that provides a path of egress forthe first liquid and a second inlet that provides a path of egress forthe second liquid, so that, when the nebulizer operates, and first andsecond nebulizable liquids are contained in the first and second bags,respectively, the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizableliquid flow from the first bag and the second bag, respectively, throughthe interface and into the nebulizer.

In accordance with third and fourth embodiments of the presentinvention, the apparatus of the first embodiment is made so that thenebulizer includes a nozzle membrane that has at least one nozzle sizedto disperse droplets that are about 1-7 microns in diameter in the thirdembodiment and the nozzle membrane is made to have at least one nozzlesized to disperse droplets that are about 5-30 microns in diameter inthe fourth preferred embodiment.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, to theelements of the second preferred embodiment is included a switch that isdisposed in the driving and switching circuit, and electricallyconnected to the power supply, wherein the switch activates thenebulizer and the flow of the first nebulizable liquid and the secondnebulizable liquid from the first airless bag and the second airless bagrespectively through the interface and into the nebulizer.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch ofthe apparatus of the fifth preferred embodiment is made to be operableby a remote unit. In a seventh preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the remote unit of the sixth preferred embodiment is made tobe a wireless control unit, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone,or a web-appliance.

In an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remoteunit of the sixth preferred embodiment is made to include a turbulencesensor for sensing the flow of ambient air and a logarithmic gas sensorfor detecting the combined concentration of the first nebulizable liquidand the second nebulizable liquid in the ambient air.

In a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the firstpreferred embodiment is made so that the first bag contains a firstnebulizable liquid that is different from a second nebulizable liquidcontained in the second bag.

In a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ninthpreferred embodiment is made so that the first nebulizable liquid is aprimary fragrance and the second nebulizable liquid is a disinfectant.

In an eleventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ninthpreferred embodiment is made so that the first nebulizable liquid is aprimary fragrance and the second nebulizable liquid is an accordfragrance for aesthetically enhancing the primary fragrance.

In a twelfth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondpreferred embodiment is made so that the cartridge further comprises athird airless bag for storing a third nebulizable liquid and theinterface further includes a third inlet corresponding to the thirdairless bag, wherein the third inlet provides a path of egress for thethird liquid in the third bag so that when the nebulizer operates, thefirst, second and third nebulizable liquids flow through the interfaceand are mixed in the space before being nebulized into a combined mistby the nebulizer. In a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, to the cartridge of the twelfth embodiment is added a fourthairless bag for storing a fourth nebulizable liquid and the interfacefurther includes a fourth inlet, wherein the fourth inlet provides apath of egress for the fourth liquid in the fourth bag so that when thenebulizer operates the first, second, third and fourth nebulizableliquids flow through the interface and are mixed in the space beforebeing nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer.

In a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, a system forrefreshing air is provided that comprises at least two air refreshingapparatuses and a power supply. Each individual apparatus includes abase unit, wherein the power supply is operably connected to the baseunit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by thepower supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving andswitching circuit; and a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensingcartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. Thedetachable cartridge includes (a) a second plug portion matinglyengagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag forstoring a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storinga second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bagand the second bag. A nebulizer is provided connected to each bag by arespective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates,and first and second liquids are contained in the first and second bags,respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag andthe second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that thefirst nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are mixed ina space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer.The nebulizer is electrically connected to the power supply andcontrolled by the driving and switching circuit when the electronicconnector engages the cartridge.

In a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the system of thefourteenth embodiment is integrated into an HVAC duct.

The sixteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention is a methodfor refreshing air comprising the steps of (a) providing at least oneautonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge having multiple airlessbags, wherein each bag contains a nebulizable fluid and each bag isconnected to an interface, and the interface is connected to anebulizer, so that there is a path of egress from each bag to thenebulizer through which nebulizable fluid flows to the nebulizer; (b)flowing the nebulizable fluid from each bag to the nebulizer; (c) mixingthe nebulizable fluid from each bag in a space to provide a mixed fluid;and (d) nebulizing the mixed fluid to provide a combined mist.

A seventeenth preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes thesteps in accordance with the sixteenth preferred embodiment and furtherrequires that the flow of nebulizable fluid is activated by a signalfrom a wireless control unit.

An eighteenth preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes thesteps in accordance with the sixteenth preferred embodiment and furtherrequires that nebulizing of the mixed fluid is controlled to maintain aperceived air quality of the ambient air.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments,which follows, when considered together with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a detailed schematic view of the first preferredembodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of one preferred construction of theliquid pathway in accordance with one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of a portion of another preferredconstruction of the liquid pathway in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1d shows a plan view of the dual interface in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein inlets arecovered by filters.

FIG. 2a shows a cross sectional view of a first interface structurebetween a piezo-atomizer and a dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 2b shows a cross sectional view of a second interface structurebetween the piezo-atomizer and the dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 2c shows a cross sectional view of third interface structurebetween the piezo-atomizer and the dual airless bag cartridge.

FIG. 3a shows one configuration for a portion of a nozzle membraneusable in the present invention.

FIG. 3b shows another configuration for a portion of the nozzle membraneusable in the present invention.

FIG. 4a shows the networked system for refreshing air as anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4b shows a particular wireless control unit for use in the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows an apparatus for refreshing air in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the cartridge hasfour airless bags.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method forrefreshing ambient air and/or air streams in an environment. Typically,the environment is a room or a finite space, or an air stream such aswould be present in an HVAC duct, although the present invention is notlimited to any one specific environment and can be practiced inrelatively open areas. To facilitate an easy understanding of thepresent invention, the apparatus embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention will be described first with respect to the drawings,in which like numerals are used to identify like parts.

FIG. 1a schematically illustrates apparatus 1 for refreshing air, a freestanding non-limiting preferred embodiment of the present invention. Inthis context, the term “air” may mean either a body of ambient air or anambient air stream. Apparatus 1 generally includes a base unit 10 whichis a housing, a power supply 14 connected to the base unit, and adriving and switching circuit 15 electrically connected to and poweredby power supply 14, such as is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. U.S. 09/942,118 and corresponding document EP 00118 715.2, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. Although power supply 14 is shown in FIG. 1a as an internalpower supply, the invention is not limited to such and one skilled inthe art would appreciate that the power supply could be a plug forconnecting to an external power supply or a solar powered cell forexample.

Driving and switching circuit 15 includes driver 15 a for driving anebulizer 20 that is connected to a dual autonomous liquid dropletdispensing cartridge 22 via a dual interface 24, and a switch circuit 15b that has a receiving/transmitting portion 15 c for receiving anactivating electronic signal and transmitting a handshake feedbackelectronic signal, either wireless or via hard wire, wherein theactivating electronic signal is used to activate the switch to start thedriver 15 a. The electrical circuit shown can preferably be connected toa sensor 16 for detecting, when the nebulizer 20 has run out of fluid tonebulize. Sensor 16 may be a simple fuse that overheats and burns outwhen nebulizer 20 runs out of liquid to nebulize. Sensor 16 ispreferably constructed to be part of cartridge 22. When sensor 16 isactivated, the driving and switching circuit IS generates a handshakefeedback signal, or in the alternative fails to generate a handshakefeedback signal, that is transmitted via portion 15 c to a controllingapparatus, as will be described later.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention,the autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge 22 is formedintegrally by attaching to the airless bags 40 to the interface 224 andnebulizer 20 to form a single integrated replaceable unit. Thus, whencartridge 22 is exhausted, it can be removed from the base unit 10 andreplaced with a fresh cartridge. Cartridge 22 includes outer casing 30that may have portions 30a and 30b for containing one or multipleairless bags 40 and nebulizer 20, respectively. Casing 30 has severalaccess ports 34, and each port has one end 38a of a correspondingautonomous airless bag 38 disposed therein. In this context, the word“autonomous” is meant to convey that the airless bag cartridge isconstructed so that the flow of a liquid stored in the bag is air-bubbleproof (i.e., not significantly affected by air bubbles in the system)and independent of the position of the cartridge 22. The structure thatachieves the autonomous result will be described later.

Casing 30 has disposed on its surface a plug portion 17 a for matinglyengaging, or plugging into, a corresponding plug portion 17 b connectedto driving and switching circuit 15. In this manner, it is possible toplug a cartridge 22 into the base unit 10, then unplug the cartridge andreplace it with a new one when needed. Casing 30 also includes anopening 22 c, so that a nebulized mist generated by the nebulizer 20 canescape the casing.

In each bag 38 there is a fluid 40 stored therein. Each bag 38 maycontain the same identical nebulizable liquid; however, preferably, eachbag contains a different nebulizable liquid. For example, one bag maycontain a primary fragrance and another bag may contain a disinfectantor an insecticide. Another possibility is that one bag may contain aprimary fragrance and the other bag may contain a secondary or “accord”fragrance for aesthetically augmenting the primary fragrance. Theadvantage of having different nebulizable liquids in each bag is thatthese different liquids can be mixed in a small internal space justprior to nebulization as will be discussed below. Thus, it becomespossible to nebulize liquids that could not be previously used due tostorage incompatibility. In other words, some liquids can not bepremixed and stored in a single airless bag because either the liquidswill form a precipitate or one of the liquids may interfere or degradethe performance of another liquid when stored together.

In a preferred mode of practicing the invention, the fragrances chosenrevolve around a central theme or olfactory chord consisting of aprimary fragrance around which one or more supporting secondary oraccord fragrances are added. For example, several exemplary fragrancethemes include a “floral” theme, an “oriental” theme, and a “chypre”theme, although those skilled in the fragrance arts would appreciatethat these examples are not limiting to the invention and that there arenumerous other fragrance themes that can be used to practice the presentinvention. Thus, the central declination or primary fragrance would becontained in one of the airless bags. In another airless bag, thevarietal declination or accord fragrance would be contained. Forexample, secondary accord fragrances such as “floral fruity” or “floralgreen” might be used to augment a primary floral fragrance. Likewise,accord fragrances such as “oriental spicy” and “chypre fruity”respectively could be used to augment corresponding primary oriental andprimary chypre fragrances. In this manner, two airless bags can be usedto provide a combination of relative fragrance intensities that can beformulated by the perfumer with unprecedented flexibility when mixingfragrances. Consequently, the dual airless bag cartridges in accordancewith the present invention allow the user the ability to modulate andexperiment with primary and secondary fragrance intensities according tothe consumer's particular appreciation and taste. How this isspecifically achieved is described later.

Although FIG. 1a illustrates a dual airless bag cartridge having twoairless bags 38, the cartridge in accordance with the present inventioncan be practiced wherein the cartridge contains 2, 3, 4 or more airlessbags. Preferably, each airless bag has an elongated shape, morecylindrical than spherical, because such an elongated shape has beenfound to (a) be less sensitive to ambient air pressure, (b) be morecompact, (c) provide for a more rigid and durable bag, and (d) is easierto empty fully. The embodiment of the invention which has two bagsincludes the case where the cartridge has a single bag constructed tohave two or more separate and distinct compartments. In other words, aplurality of bags can include a single bag with a plurality ofcompartments. Each compartment would then have its own corresponding endthat is disposed in a respective access port of the casing. Theremaining structure of the invention would be the same as is describedbelow. By having one bag with multiple separate compartments, it isstill possible to have mixing occur because nebulizable fluid from eachcompartment can travel through a separate path of egress and then mix ina small internal space prior to nebulization as is discussed below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an autonomous airless bag cartridge 122 that hasouter casing 130 that has four access ports 34 and plug portion 17 a,wherein each port receives one end of an airless bag 38 that is filledwith a nebulizable liquid. It would be evident to one skilled in the artthat all of the bags 38 could be filled with the same liquid, or eachbag could be filled with a different nebulizable liquid than each one ofthe other bags, or some bags could have the same liquid as some otherbags, or the liquid could be different from some of the other liquidscontained in one of the other bags. Although not specifically shown, oneskilled in the art could make and use the airless bag cartridge to haveany number of airless bags or a single bag having any number ofcompartments. As would be evident from the embodiment of FIG. 5, thecartridge 122 would have a corresponding interface with four inlets usedto connect the four airless bags 38 of cartridge 122 to the nebulizer20.

Having described the dual autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge(i.e., detachable cartridge) in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention, it is useful to describe the interface betweenthe cartridge and the nebulizer. Specifically, FIGS. 1a and 2 billustrate the basic features of the interface 224. Inlets 250 areformed in the body of interface 224 so that each inlet provides achannel corresponding to one of the access ports 34. Preferably, eachinlet 250 is beveled so that the circumference of the cross section ofthe inlet increases along the path of liquid flow. In this manner, apath of liquid egress is created from the interior of each airless bag38, through a capillary tube or other short conduit 80 (see FIG. 1a),then through the corresponding inlet 250. Typically, the nebulizableliquid is pulled along the path of egress by capillary action, althoughone skilled in the art would appreciate that a micropump could be used.Once the nebulizable liquid 40 passes through inlet 250, the fluidenters a small internal space 254 for holding the liquid. Space 254borders the actuator membrane 260 of the nebulizer 20. Nebulizer 20includes nozzle membrane 62 and an electronically controlledpiezo-atomizer 264. The actuator membrane 260 includes peripheralopenings 260 a and forms part of inlets 250 so that liquid can flow intospace 254 from the airless bags 40. Typically, when the nebulizer 20 isin operation, a capillary pressure in the inlets 250 will be generatedthat will tend to draw liquid from each airless bag in the cartridge 22.In this manner, the liquids contained in the various cartridges 22 willmix in space 254. When the bags 40 contain different liquids such as twodifferent fragrances, or a fragrance in one bag and a functional liquidin another, a unique mixing process occurs as the liquids are nebulizedinto a mixed or combined nebulized mist.

As shown in FIG. 3a, the nozzle membrane 62 has a floor portion 62 athat includes nozzles 62 b, wherein each nozzle is provided by anopening of diameter “x” in the floor portion so that liquid flowing ontothe nozzle membrane can be sprayed via nebulization through the nozzles62 b when the nebulizer 20 is in operation. As would be known to oneskilled in the art, the nozzles 62 b can be sized and configured so thatthe droplet size dispersion of a nebulized (i.e., atomized) liquid canrange from 1 to 7 microns. This droplet size dispersion range is bestsuited for atomizing ambient scenting or odor-combating liquids.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3b, the nozzles 162 b of floorportion 162 a of nozzle membrane 162 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, can be formed by openings ofdiameter “y” that are larger (i.e., y>x) than the openings forming thenozzles 62 b of nozzle membrane 62. When the larger openings are used toform nozzles 162 b, the nozzles 162 b can be sized and configured sothat the droplet size dispersion of a nebulized liquid can range from 5to 30 microns. This droplet size dispersion range is best suited foratomizing disinfectant liquids for local surface disinfecting purposes.This is because a spray plume formed by a nebulized liquid that has alarger droplet size distribution provides a more powerful, albeit moredirected, dispersing action such as may be necessary for spraying areaswithin HVAC ducts and the like with a disinfecting, bacteriostatic,fungistatic, or insecticidal substance. On the other hand, a spray plumethat has a smaller droplet size distribution provides faster evaporationand diffusion into the ambient air of fragrance molecules and the likebecause the spray is finer and has a larger combined surface area thatencourages more individual droplets to come in contact with and exchangeenergy with the ambient air molecules.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that other liquids such asinsecticides, etc., can be dispersed by a nebulizer using either one ofthe nozzle membranes 62 or 162 depending upon which droplet sizedispersion range is best suited for the particular spraying application(i.e., whether it is preferable to use directed local surface or volumespraying or rapid dispersion into a relatively large volume of ambientair).

Another advantage of the nozzle membranes used in accordance with thepresent invention is that the ratio of the total surface of thenebulizer nozzles in contact with the ambient air to the internalsurface of the nebulizer (i.e. the surface of the small internal space)is incredibly small so that evaporation through the nebulizer nozzles isnegligible and eliminates the need for sealing mechanisms between uses.For example, for a surface A2 corresponding to 144 nozzles with adiameter of 3 microns and an internal nebulizer containing liquidsurface A1 of 56.25 mm2, the ratio A2/A1 is 1.8096E-5. For the samenumber of nozzles, but with a diameter of 12 microns, the ratio is0.00028953.

FIG. 2a illustrates a first interface structure suitable for use in thepresent invention. Specifically, interface 24 has inlets 50 formed inthe body of the interface that are attached to a conduit 80 and to acorresponding one of the access ports 34. Each inlet 50 is beveled sothat the circumference of the cross section of the inlet increases alongthe path of liquid flow. In this manner, a path of liquid egress iscreated from the interior of each airless bag 38, through a capillarytube or short conduit 80, then through the corresponding inlet 50.Typically, the nebulizable liquid 40 is pulled along the path of egressby capillary action, although a micropump could be used as well. Oncethe nebulizable liquid 40 passes through inlet 50, the fluid enters asmall internal space 54 for holding the liquid. Space 54 borders theactuator membrane 60 of the nebulizer. The nebulizer includes nozzlemembrane 62 and an electronically-controlled piezo-atomizer 64. Theactuator membrane 60 includes a central opening 60 a so that liquid inspace 54 can flow into nozzle membrane 62.

FIG. 2b illustrates a preferred second interface structure suitable foruse in the present invention. Specifically, interface 224 has inlets 250formed in the body of the interface; however, the inlets in thisstructure are roughly L-shaped and have a leg portion 250 a that isbeveled so that the circumference of the inlet increases along the pathof liquid flow. The distal end of leg portion 250 a, a point on the legportion having the largest circumference, is contiguous with the footportion 250 b. Foot portion 250 b is contiguous with and opens intospace 254. This configuration provides a path of liquid egress from theinterior of each airless bag, through a capillary tube or other shortconduit, then through the corresponding inlet 250 and into smallinternal space 254. In this structure, piezo-electric element 264 isdisposed on a side of the actuator membrane 260 that is opposite to theside of the actuator membrane near which the nozzle membrane 62 isdisposed. In interface 24, the piezo-electric element 64 is disposed onthe same side of actuator membrane 60 as is the nozzle membrane 62. Ininterface 224, actuator membrane 260 has no central opening but insteadhas two peripheral openings 260 a that form a portion of inlets 250.Also, the body of interface 224 includes a large beveled cavity 270,which forms a sort of nozzle through which the nebulized liquid wouldpass after it has been nebulized through the nozzle membrane 62.

FIG. 2c illustrates a preferred third interface structure suitable foruse in the present invention. Specifically, the third interfacestructure 324 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,219 B1 to Hess et al.,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, as well as inco-pending application EP 01 121 075.4 and EP 01 103 653.0, both to Hesset al., both of which are likewise incorporated herein by reference.This interface 324 includes actuator membrane 360 that has inlets 350formed therein. The inlets 350 are contiguous with small internal space354 for holding the liquid to be nebulized and correspond in number tothe number of access ports 34 of the cartridge 22. The piezo-electricelement 264 is disposed on one side of the actuator membrane 360 and thenozzle membrane 362 is disposed on the other side of the actuatormembrane. The advantage of the interface 324 is that the nozzles 362 bof floor portions 362 a are located to coincide with standing wavecrests that are generated when the piezo-electric element 264 isactivated, thereby increasing the nebulization efficiency of the liquidbeing nebulized.

The main advantage of the three described interface structures is that adual or multiple inlet connection is provided that interfaces well withthe innovative dual airless bag cartridges of the present invention toinsure generally uniform filing of the inlets and spaces of theinterface structure. Another advantage is that the small internal spacecan be constructed to be minimized in size with parallel upper and lowerinternal surfaces for holding and transmitting energy to the liquid tobe atomized. In this context, the present invention can achieve aninternal space with parallel upper and lower internal surfaces whereinthe distance, or height, separating the upper and lower surfaces ispreferably less than 100 microns, or optimally between 10 to 60 microns.The benefit of minimizing the size of the internal space and havingparallel upper and lower surfaces is that the nebulizer can operateusing nebulizable liquids over a very large range of viscosities andsurface tensions, which allows the apparatus to use largely solvent-freenebulizer liquid formulations while at the same time providing anunprecedented flexibility in the formulation of scenting anddisinfecting liquids.

Another important feature in accordance with the present invention isthat the dual airless bag cartridge is essentially air-bubble proof andposition independent. In other words, the nebulizable liquids stored inthe cartridge are relatively unaffected by any air bubbles that get intothe airless bags and are unaffected by the position of the apparatus.This feature is achieved by the structures shown in FIG. 1b, 1 c and 1d.

Specifically, FIG. 1b illustrates a liquid pathway 80, being either acapillary tube or other short fluid conduit, that connects the interiorof airless bag 38 to the mouth of the respective inlet 250 on theinterface 224. Of course, this liquid pathway structure can be appliedto the inlets 50 of interface 24 or the inlets 350 of interface 324. Inthis embodiment, the liquid pathway is constructed to have a main flowpath 80a and a single radial groove 80 b. Generally, fluid flows fromthe airless bag through the main flow path 80 a and into the respectiveinlet of the interface. However, if an air bubble occludes this pathway,the fluid may still bypass the obstruction via the radial groove 80 b.This occurs because any obstructing bubble will be generally sphericaland will not conform to obstruct both the main flow path and the radialgroove simultaneously. In addition, pathway 80 can be constructed toinclude a domed bubble trap portion 80 c for trapping a bubble B thatmight get into the pathway. The trap portion 80 c is curved to trap abubble. In addition, a bubble filter and/or antimicrobial filter 200 canbe disposed to cover the inlet 250 so that the pathway 80 is disposed onthe surface of the filter 200. As another precautionary measure, an airevacuating filter 80d can be integrated inside the interior of pathway80 so that the filter 80 d covers the entire cross sectional area of theinterior of the pathway. In addition, the filter 80 d may be constructedto cover only a portion of the cross sectional area of the interior ofthe pathway, such as the interior of the domed trap portion 80 c. Aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the liquid pathway 80can be constructed to be connected at one end to an access port 34 ofcartridge 22 and connected at the other end to a corresponding inlet ofthe interface.

FIG. 1c illustrates an alternate embodiment of the liquid pathway.Specifically, liquid pathway 180 includes a main flow path 180 a andfour radial grooves 180 b. Having four radial grooves increases the rateof bypassing fluid flow through the grooves when the main flow path isobstructed or partially obstructed by a bubble (B). As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, it is possible to make the liquidpathway to have any number of radial grooves for promoting bypass liquidflow should the main pathway become obstructed, although preferably from1 to 4 radial grooves are used.

FIG. 1d shows that bubble filters and/or antimicrobial filters 200 canbe disposed over the inlets 250 of the interface 224 to further decreasethe chance that a bubble and/or an overgrowth of microbes will obstructthe path of liquid egress between the airless bags and the smallinternal space for holding the liquid to be nebulized. Of course, thesefilters 200 can be applied to the inlets 50 of interface 24 or theinlets 350 of interface 324. In addition, one skilled in the art wouldappreciate that bubble filters and/or antimicrobial filters 201 can bedisposed inside of the main flow path liquid pathway 180 (or 80), andnear the corresponding inlet.

In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a systemfor refreshing air 400 as shown in FIG. 4a comprises two or moreapparatuses 1 a that are electronically connected in parallel to acommon power supply 14 a via hard wire 402. Each apparatus 1 a isidentical to the embodiment of apparatus 1 except the power supply 14has been replaced by a suitable electronic connector 5 a such as a plugsystem so that each apparatus 1 a can be connected to the power supply14 a. In addition, each apparatus 1 a is operationally connected to adriving and switching circuit 5 b housed in a base unit, wherein thedriving and switching circuit 5 b includes a receiving/transmittingportion that is similar to the receiving/transmitting portion 15 c asdescribed previously for another embodiment of the invention. However,in the system 400 it is preferable that the receiving/transmittingportion of the driving and switching circuit 5 b be an electronicreceiver/transmitter for receiving/transmitting wireless electronicsignals from/to wireless control unit 405 such as a personal digitalassistant (PDA), cellular phone, a web-appliance or the like. Plainly,other wireless devices for generating the wireless switching signal canbe used, and it is within the scope of the present invention totransport the switching signal via a hard wire.

It should be noted that there is no need for an on-board memory chipand/or microcontroller in the autonomous cartridges because the controland memory functions are provided by the wireless control unit 405. Thisis a great advantage over many of the prior cartridges.

FIG. 4b illustrates one particular wireless control unit that is wellsuited for use in the embodiment of the invention described in FIG. 4a.Specifically, wireless control unit 500 is a hand held remote controlunit as is generally known in the art. In particular, wireless controlunit 500 includes a wireless signal transmitter/receiver 556 fortransmitting and receiving wireless electronic signals to and from thedriving and switching circuits 5 b of one or more apparatuses 1 a. Inaddition, each apparatus la may include a small fan (not shown) that isused to generate additional ambient air flow for dispersing anynebulized mist, and the control unit 500 can be wired to communicatewith the apparatus 1 a so as to operate the fan for each of the one ormore apparatuses 1 a networked into system 400.

Control unit 500 also includes a gas sensor 551, a turbulence detector552, and a presence sensor (not shown). Gas sensor 551 is alogarithmically calibrated electronic sensor that detects and“memorizes” the intensity of scents (i.e., fragrances) in the ambientair. In this context, the sensor 551 is used to “memorize” the intensityof scents by recalibrating the sensor 551 to a particular scentintensity desired by the user of the control unit 500. In other words, auser can operate the control unit 500 by means of intensity control keys554 and input keys 555, as is generally well known in the art of remotecontrol. Thus, the sensor 551 can be set by the user using SMS languageor the like to detect scents that are calibrated to be very high (VHI),high (HI), medium high (MI), ok (OKI), low (LI), medium low (MLI), orvery low (VLI) intensity, wherein the display 553 can indicate theselected gas sensor calibration level as a bar graph 553 a for the user.Of course, control unit 500 is not limited to the use of bar graphs, andone skilled in the art would realize that alphanumeric indicia, piegraphs, line graphs, etc., could be used to display the selected gassensor calibration level.

Control unit 500 also includes a turbulence detector 552 for indicatingthe intensity of air flow at the point of detection (i.e. the point ofscent appreciation) chosen by the user. In other words, the user maycarry the control unit to a particular location in a room or enclosedspace and use this location as the point of detection. The turbulencedetector 552 can also be wired to activate a small fan in each of theoperating apparatuses 1 a by means of the transmitter/receiver 556 andthe driving and switching circuit 5 b so as to provide a more rapid andefficient diffusion of the nebulized liquid throughout the room orenclosed space.

Control unit 500 can also be provided with a presence detector tocomplement the functions of the gas and turbulence sensors. The presencedetector would activate the system 400 when an individual encroachedwithin a certain range of the presence detector, thereby minimizing theon-time delay of the system 400 and avoiding the wastage of nebulizableliquid into the room or enclosed space when no one is there.

Control unit 500 is provided with internally preprogrammed electroniccircuitry that includes several software programs. First, calculationsoftware calculates a coefficient of “perceived air quality,” expressedin SMS language or the like, based upon inputs from the turbulencedetector 552 and the gas sensor 551, then maintains the “perceived airquality” level via cyclic readings of the gas sensor 551 that detectsthe intensity of scents in the ambient air so that the intensity of thenebulized fragrances in the ambient air is maintained between the“perceived air quality” intensity (maximum intensity) and a minimumintensity level programmed by the user of the control unit 500. In thiscase, the minimum intensity level is one of the selected gas sensorcalibration levels such as “MI” or “VLI” for example.

When control unit 500 is shut off by either the user or the presencesensor, the software of the control unit will reactivate when either thepresence sensor indicates that someone has entered into the sensor'sproximity detection range, or when the user activates the unit. Uponreactivation, control unit 500 automatically reactivates system 400 tooperate the apparatuses 1 a until the previously set “perceived airquality” level is reached and maintained. Thus, the software of controlunit 500 operates the system 400 to provide ambient air refreshing basedon the intelligent networking of the flexible, autonomous liquidatomizer cartridges.

The software described above can be ported via a suitable interface towork with other remote control units such as a personal digitalassistant, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a web-appliance, acellular phone, a stand-alone household appliance, and the like. In thealternative, the software may be preprogrammed into a remote controlunit for an HVAC system, or the control unit may have the turbulencesensor positioned remotely from the control unit and inside an HVACduct.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the software for use in thecontrol unit 500 includes a fuzzy logic algorithm to deal with thequalitative terms and values, to memorize settings for certain values ofturbulence, and to include a learning capability to optimize theperformance and efficacy of the air refreshing process. Of course, oneskilled in the art would recognize that the system 400 could benetworked into several different rooms or enclosed spaces and that oneor more control units 500 could be used to adjust the “perceived airquality” separately in each of the rooms or enclosed spaces in thenetwork.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4a is especiallysuited to be installed in a built-in Indoor Air Quality system networksuch as is used in larger private and public buildings, or as might beused for HVAC duct disinfecting. For example, one or more of theapparatuses 1 a can be positioned inside an HVAC duct and operated inconjunction with the central or remote control of the HVAC system, oneor more airflow sensors in the duct system, and the wireless remotecontrol unit 405.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated inFIG. 1a provides a portable, stand-alone device with at least onecartridge. These devices can be constructed for installation in avariety of environments such as private and public bathrooms, clothing,linen or kitchen cabinets, or on home or office furniture. Theseportable devices can be operated by a pushbutton, or by a signal such asprovided by a presence sensor or a timer circuit, or by a signal from anetwork or remote control device. In addition, these devices can beadded to luxury or practical items, being added as accessories to lamps,furniture or built into vacuum cleaners, white goods, cars, householdrobots or other useful and fun items. The power supply can be batteries,small fuel cells, main power supplies, car batteries, etc.

In another particular embodiment of the invention, a cartridge with asmall dual airless bag of, for example, more or less 1 ml of fluid ineach airless bag can be fitted into a fashion accessory such as a brocheor bracelet, watch, necklace pendant, or other jewelry, or as anintegrated part of clothing such as a lapel or other part of a garment.In this case, the power supply is preferably 2 “AA” batteries and thecircuit includes a very small driving and switching circuit that can behidden in a small pocket inside the user's clothing. Thus, the powersupply in connection with the driving and switching circuit can beconnected to the cartridge via a miniature version of the plug system 5a and a thin cable. Thus, a personal, wearable “on-demand” ambientscenting device with plug-in type exchangeable cartridges is providedeither as a fashion accessory or for wear with a fashion accessory.Activation of the device can be via a touch button or via remote shortdistance wireless signals such as a phonetic or sensor based input.

In a variant of this embodiment, the air refreshing wearable devicecould be constructed to be activated by a specific portable phone orother specific communication devices as a form of a noiseless,vibrationless fragrant contact message that serves the same purpose asringing does for a telephone. Thus messages for “confidential” callershaving a particular calling identity can be made using wirelesstechnology, Bluetooth™, or other technology such as can be accessed froma portable phone or other communication device.

In another variant of this embodiment, the air refreshing wearabledevice can be incorporated as a message indicator for a portable phoneor other communication device, where the fragrance released serves theas a silent “ring.”

In another variant of this embodiment, the power supply, driving andswitching circuit and exchangeable cartridge are integrated into analarm clock, thereby allowing inhabitants of a room or small enclosedspace to wake up to fragrance. In addition, two or more scentcombinations can be generated using a network system integrated into theclock so that two or more difference fragrance combinations can be usedto wake up different people at different times. In addition, thefragrance emission could be accompanied by an initially weaker butprogressively intensifying sound.

It is self evident that the system 400, comprising two or moreapparatuses 1 a, will include a corresponding number of cartridges 22.In the case where multiple cartridges are used, it is plain that thepresent invention will provide the consumer with the ability to choosenot only a central ambient fragrance or theme based upon a primaryfragrance, but the consumer has the option to create a fragranceensemble by selecting more than one primary fragrance to be nebulized atone time by using a PDA. Furthermore, the consumer has the ability tochoose from a larger number of secondary or accord fragrances. Forexample, the user could choose one or more primary oriental fragrancesto create an “oriental ensemble,” then augment this ensemble bynebulizing one or more varietal declinations or accords to the ensemble.In this example, the user may choose to use a “spicy oriental”fragrance. Or the user could choose to mix one or more central fragranceconcepts (i.e., primary fragrances) with or without adding any varietaldeclinations (i.e., accord fragrances).

To illustrate more clearly, in the case where the system has only twodual airless bags (i.e., there are only two apparatuses connected in thesystem) then it is possible to have two different primary fragranceconcepts with one accord each or, in the alternative, two differentaccords to the same fragrance concept could be offered. However, it isalso possible to valve the airless bags individually (not shown) so thatonly one bag or both bags are used to provide liquid to the nebulizer.One skilled in the art could construct a valve system of one or morevalves connected to and controlled by the driving and switch circuit 15.In the case where the cartridge includes 3, 4 or more airless bagsfilled with various liquids, the valve system can permit the airlessbags to be individually accessed for liquid so that only one bag, orseveral bags, or all of the bags are accessed to provide liquid to thenebulizer. In this manner, it is possible to provide an even greatervariety of fragrance and/or functional liquid content mixes to thenebulizer.

Another variation afforded by the structure of the present invention isthat the nebulizable fluids used include fragrances and/or functionalliquids. For example, the system could include an apparatus 1 acontaining a primary fragrance and an accord fragrance, and anotherapparatus 1 a could contain the functional liquid such as adisinfecting, bacteriostatic or fungistatic liquid. Thus, it is possibleto effectively disperse a bactericide or fungicide using the presentinvention by using suitable chemical ingredients such as Bronopol and tocombine the corresponding compound with a suitable fragrance. However,it is preferable to use fragrance compounds that are known to havedisinfecting, bacteriostatic, or fungistatic properties and to placethem in the first airless bag of the cartridge and to put a purelyambient fragrance compound into a second airless bag of the samecartridge. In this manner, the purely ambient fragrance can be used asthe accord fragrance for augmenting the primary fragrance of thefragrance having disinfecting, bacteriostatic, or fungistaticproperties.

This same concept holds true for insect repellants, other functionalnebulizable liquids and other individual fragrance notes. In thismanner, by using fragrances that have functional properties as well itis possible to minimize the use of potentially harmful benzenes,toluenes, like compounds, and other industrial solvents because the dualairless bag cartridge system in accordance with the present inventionprovides for greater flexibility and more precise formulation of airfreshening mixtures. Thus, the dosing precision of the refreshingmixtures is optimized so that excess amounts of potentially harmfulsubstances are avoided.

Lastly, the method embodiment in accordance with the present inventionis a method for refreshing air summarized to include the steps of: (a)providing at least one autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridgehaving multiple airless bags, wherein each bag contains a nebulizablefluid and each bag is connected to an interface, and the interface isconnected to a nebulizer, so that there is a path of egress from eachbag to the nebulizer through which nebulizable fluid flows to thenebulizer; (b) flowing the nebulizable fluid from each bag to thenebulizer; (c) mixing the nebulizable fluid from each bag in a space toprovide a mixed fluid; and (d) nebulizing the mixed fluid to provide acombined mist as is evident from the previous description of theapparatus embodiments. Of course, the method can be further refined toinclude that the flow of nebulizable fluid is activated by a signal froma wireless control unit. The method can also be refined to include thatnebulizing of the mixed fluid is controlled to maintain a perceived airquality of the ambient air.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat additions, deletions, substitutions, modifications and improvementscan be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for freshening air, the apparatuscomprising: a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the baseunit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by thepower supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving andswitching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensingcartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion, having (a) asecond plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b)a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid (c) a secondairless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casingenclosing the first bag and the second bag; and a nebulizer connected toeach bag by a respective inlet of an interface, so that, when thenebulizer operates, and first and second nebulizable liquids arecontained in the first and second bags, respectively, the firstnebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizableliquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquidand the second nebulizable liquid are mixed in a space before beingnebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer; wherein the nebulizeris electrically connected to the power supply and controlled by thedriving and switching circuit when the second plug portion is matinglyengaged to the first plug portion.
 2. An apparatus for refreshing air asrecited in claim 1, wherein the interface includes a first inlet thatprovides a path of egress for the first liquid and a second inlet thatprovides a path of egress for the second liquid, so that, when thenebulizer operates, and first and second nebulizable liquids arecontained in the first and second bags, respectively, the firstnebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid flow from the firstbag and the second bag, respectively, through the interface and into thenebulizer.
 3. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 1,wherein the nebulizer includes a nozzle membrane that has at least onenozzle sized to disperse droplets that are about 1-7 microns indiameter.
 4. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 1,wherein the nebulizer includes a nozzle membrane that has at least onenozzle sized to disperse droplets that are about 5-30 microns indiameter.
 5. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 2,further comprising a switch disposed in the driving and switchingcircuit and electrically connected to the power supply, wherein theswitch activates the nebulizer and the flow of the first nebulizableliquid and the second nebulizable liquid from the first airless bag andthe second airless bag, respectively, through the interface and into thenebulizer.
 6. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 5,wherein the switch is operable by a remote unit.
 7. An apparatus forrefreshing air as recited in claim 6, wherein the remote unit is awireless control unit, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, or aweb-appliance.
 8. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 6,wherein the remote unit includes a turbulence sensor for sensing theflow of ambient air and a logarithmic gas sensor for detecting thecombined concentration of the first nebulizable liquid and the secondnebulizable liquid in the ambient air.
 9. An apparatus for refreshingair as recited in claim 1, wherein the first bag contains a firstnebulizable liquid that is different from a second nebulizable liquidcontained in the second bag.
 10. An apparatus for refreshing air asrecited in claim 9, wherein the first nebulizable liquid is a primaryfragrance and the second nebulizable liquid is a disinfectant.
 11. Anapparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 9, wherein the firstnebulizable liquid is a primary fragrance and the second nebulizableliquid is an accord fragrance for aesthetically enhancing the primaryfragrance.
 12. An apparatus for refreshing air as recited in claim 2,wherein the cartridge further comprises a third airless bag for storinga third nebulizable liquid and the interface further includes a thirdinlet corresponding to the third airless bag, wherein the third inletprovides a path of egress for the third liquid in the third bag so thatwhen the nebulizer operates, and first, second and third nebulizableliquids are contained in the first, second and third bags, respectively,the first, second and third nebulizable liquids flow through theinterface and are mixed in the space before being nebulized into acombined mist by the nebulizer.
 13. An apparatus for refreshing air asrecited in claim 12, wherein the cartridge further comprises a fourthairless bag for storing a fourth nebulizable liquid and the interfacefurther includes a fourth inlet, wherein the fourth inlet provides apath of egress for the fourth liquid in the fourth bag so that when thenebulizer operates, and first, second, third and fourth nebulizableliquids are contained in the first, second, third and fourth bags,respectively, the first, second, third and fourth nebulizable liquidsflow through the interface and are mixed in the space before beingnebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer.
 14. A system forrefreshing air comprising at least two air refreshing apparatuses and apower supply, wherein each apparatus comprises: a base unit, wherein thepower supply is operably connected to the base unit; a driving andswitching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a firstplug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; adetachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachablyengagable with the first plug portion, having (a) a second plug portionmatingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bagfor storing a first nebulizable liquid (c) a second airless bag forstoring a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing thefirst bag and the second bag; and a nebulizer connected to each bag by arespective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates,and first and second liquids are contained in the first and second bags,respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag andthe second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that thefirst nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are mixed ina space before being nebulized into a combined mist by the nebulizer,wherein the nebulizer is electrically connected to the power supply andcontrolled by the driving and switching circuit when the first plugportion engages the cartridge.
 15. A system for refreshing air asrecited in claim 14, wherein the system is integrated into an HVAC duct.16. A method for refreshing air comprising the steps of: (a) providingan apparatus for freshening air, the apparatus comprising a base unit; apower supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving andswitching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a firstplug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; adetachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachablyengagable with the first plug portion, having (1) a second plug portionmatingly engagable with the first plug portion, (2) a first airless bagfor storing a first nebulizable liquid (3) a second airless bag forstoring a second nebulizable liquid, and (4) a casing enclosing thefirst bag and the second bag; and a nebulizer connected to each bag by arespective inlet of an interface, so that, when the nebulizer operates,and first and second nebulizable liquids are contained in the first andsecond bags, respectively, the first nebulizable liquid flows from thefirst bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag sothat the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid aremixed in a space before being nebulized into a combined mist by thenebulizer, wherein the nebulizer is electrically connected to the powersupply and controlled by the driving and switching circuit when thesecond plug portion is matingly engaged to the first plug portion; (b)flowing the nebulizable liquid from each bag to the space; (c) mixingthe nebulizable fluid from each bag in the space to provide a mixedfluid; and (d) nebulizing the mixed fluid to provide a combined mist.17. A method for refreshing air as recited in claim 16, wherein the flowof nebulizable fluid is activated by a signal from a wireless controlunit.